At the moment, like most days, I made a visit to the submit workplace to ship out my Poshmark gross sales. However what I am transport out seems a bit totally different than it may need a couple of months in the past. Of the seven packages I am handing off, just one comprises an merchandise I would take into account “good.” Alongside that Fendi high are six items from fast-fashion manufacturers—extremely low-cost stuff I ordered from Chinese language retailers like Shein and Temu that, till just lately, I by no means anticipated to truly promote, given that somebody might purchase the identical merchandise new at, properly, Shein and Temu costs.
However since the USA’ new tariff construction went into impact (primarily the elimination of the de minimus exemption), shoppers have been compelled to regulate to a actuality by which they can not simply supply every part from toothbrush holders to micro-trendy outfits from an low worth Chinese language retail big, to say nothing of considerations over how way more they might be paying for pricier objects like autos and home equipment made with overseas elements or manufactured abroad.
On this interval of uncertainty, resale apps could also be filling the void. My very own Poshmark gross sales are up in comparison with the month earlier than the tariffs went into impact, with a notable rise in gross sales of primary, low-cost stuff. Curious, I talked to some specialists to see if my experiences have been indicative of a broader development—one that would imply good issues (properly, comparatively talking) for resale consumers and sellers alike.
The vibe on the resale apps within the wake of tariffs
The rollout of the tariffs has been complicated and disjointed. It was (and nonetheless is) exhausting to foretell when shoppers will see worth will increase on foreign-made electronics, vehicles, and different items, or on merchandise assembled within the U.S. however made with imported elements. However from the beginning, it has been apparent that items from China particularly have been about to price a complete lot extra—together with the volumes of stuff shipped on to shoppers from the likes of Temu and Shein, the latter of which is legendary for importing 10,000 new types to its web site each day (and for charging unbelievably low costs for all of them). Months in the past, when the tariffs have been first introduced, folks began questioning if they need to begin stocking up (and on what), whether or not they have been importing low-cost garments from Shein or bracing for greater costs on extra substantial items like smartphones.
I’ve purchased greater than my share of junk from Shein, although I do know it’s not precisely a sustainable or environmentally pleasant alternative. To make myself really feel higher about that, I’ve at all times listed the garments on resale apps as soon as I am accomplished with them. To be clear, these are cheaply made clothes—you do not purchase your capsule wardrobe on Shein; Shein is the place you store for micro-trends (types which are at the moment throughout your Instagram and Pinterest feed, however which will not be in two months) or fundamentals like tank tops that you need to use and abuse. Previous to the tariffs rolling out, it was inconceivable that anybody would pay me $9 (plus transport) for a pre-worn, cheaply-made costume or exercise set that I had solely paid $15 for within the first place—however that is what began taking place.
Prior to now month, I’ve nonetheless offered clothes and niknaks made by Adidas, Gucci, Skims, Ralph Lauren, Marc Jacobs, Reebok, and Givenchy, however these are typically one-off gross sales. My Shein resales for the final 4 weeks completely dwarf them. I additionally offered a couple of electronics objects—an Apple Watch and facial micro-current machine—I had listed in my Poshmark store months earlier. Might I chalk up all of those gross sales to tariffs, and to nervousness about impending worth will increase on electronics?
My Shein gross sales this month vs. every part else
Credit score: Lindsey Ellefson
Actually I am not alone in noticing it this development. A Poshmark spokesperson tells me, “We’ve seen a rise in gross sales of internationally-made objects, particularly from manufacturers which have introduced worth hikes because of excessive tariffs. Regardless of rising costs, demand for quick trend stays sturdy as shoppers search stylish, reasonably priced types. Shopping for these items secondhand lets them keep on-trend whereas holding clothes in circulation.”
Along with Shein and Temu, higher-priced manufacturers that publicly introduced tariff-related worth will increase have additionally seen resale spikes, with gross sales of Columbia button-down shirts surging by 61% month over month, and gross sales of Hermès sandals up 27%. Shopping for used Hermès sandals is one factor—not all of us have $840 laying round to spend on designer slides to ring in the summertime. However a Columbia button-down? That is the form of merchandise I am used to discovering at Marshall’s for possibly $30—however folks now appear to be flocking to purchase them used, apprehensive that even low-cost shirts will change into comparatively priceier because of tariffs.
In the meantime, Poshmark studies gross sales on client electronics have elevated as properly: The week of April 27, resales of Sony merchandise have been up 22% month over month, and Apple merchandise have been up 21%. The occasions appear to be altering, they usually’re doing it in a rush.
What tariffs means for resale customers
I’m not solely a resale vendor, however a resale shopper, and the uncertainty round tariffs has made me much more discerning with what I am shopping for new. A part of that is simply that I am now paying extra consideration. I really like the leisure and athletic put on made by SET Lively. I personal plenty of it, and I’ve by no means earlier than thought-about promoting any of it as a result of it lasts so lengthy and maintains its form so properly. Till just lately, I’ve additionally by no means paid a lot consideration to the place it’s made: Whereas SET Lively designs its merchandise in California, its energetic materials are all made in China. Costs have not gone up on the official web site but, however in preparation for a time once they may, I’ve already began purchasing the model on Poshmark and Depop. It is not the worst factor on the earth; shopping for used is each cheaper and extra sustainable. I’ve at all times been an avid purchaser of resale items—I’ve simply by no means needed to do it so strategically earlier than.
(I’ve discovered it simpler to surrender Shein altogether—I can handle fantastic with out the $4 tank tops I have been placing by absolute hell the previous few summers—however my Poshmark prospects have confirmed extra reluctant to withstand the attract of quick trend, even used.)
I am not alone in being extra strategic with my resale purchases. Monetary specialists are noticing the identical factor. “Within the wake of the announcement and implementation of the tariffs, folks have been in search of cheaper options to the dearer imported items,” says Aaron Razon, a private finance knowledgeable at Couponsnake, “particularly as many home merchandise not solely fall quick in assembly the demand for sure merchandise, however lack the range and elegance that imported items supply. [Domestic products] are additionally not precisely the cost-effective choice shoppers are in search of, and this is among the main causes curiosity in resale platforms [has] been on the rise.”
Invoice London, an worldwide enterprise legal professional, factors out that along with inflicting costs to rise, tariffs have resulted in potential transport delays, a proven fact that has additionally contributed to, “a surge in second-hand quick trend curiosity.”
Six months in the past, should you wanted a sure form of costume for, say, a themed bachelorette celebration, you could possibly order it from Shein for $20, secure within the data that you just’d in all probability by no means put on it once more. At the moment, its worth might be nearer to $30 or $40, and you may face delays in receiving it. The enchantment of quick trend was at all times within the low price and comfort, offered you had 10 to 14 days to attend for the factor to reach from China. Now, it simply makes extra sense to purchase that costume from somebody within the U.S. who likewise did not see themselves rewearing it, —and now, they’re promoting it for roughly the identical $20 they initially paid. For the customer, it is nonetheless a relative deal, and it will even arrive sooner.
It is not simply quick trend
Manufacturers past Shein and Temu are seeing a raise. Because the Poshmark rep identified, resales on choose high-end manufacturers are up, too. Shopping for used luxurious items has at all times been a sensible monetary choice (definitely it is a follow I have been devoted to for a very long time), however with manufacturing and importation prices an ever-murkier query, it is extra smart than ever.
A spokesperson for Vestiaire Collective, a designer resale platform, tells me that U.S. consumers are more and more capable of see the duties utilized to their purchases from Europe and Asia at checkout, and that the corporate has been working to beef up its American foothold for years. That effort is now paying off in a giant manner due to tariffs: In 2022, VC acquired Tradesey to extend its choice of pre-owned trend providing for U.S. consumers, and it ramped up related model advertising and marketing the next 12 months. VC additionally curates an inventory of products which are able to ship from New York Metropolis, making it simpler for American consumers to determine objects that may simply come to them domestically, no tariffs or duties required. Consequently, the model rep says VC has, “seen a shift of extra U.S. consumers shopping for from U.S. sellers” these days.
Personally, I’ve seen folks shopping for from me these days, particularly, is exercise apparel. With the price of every part going up, it may appear extra of a stretch to pop into Lululemon to purchase a brand new pair of leggings for over $100. In the meantime, the trusty Shein various is now more cash than its price. It is this class of in-between requirements—stuff you need not survive, however could also be a nice-to-have in your explicit pursuits or way of life—that may be a supply of non-public financial woe, and the place resale can fill the hole. Whether or not you want new exercise gear, a one-time put on outfit, a couple of primary items, or perhaps a designer purse, the truth of the post-tariff world is that you just’re virtually definitely higher off trying on resale apps earlier than even contemplating shopping for new. (You definitely have choices—I’ve assembled a rundown of my very own favourite resale apps, together with the products you are almost definitely to seek out on every.)
What do you suppose thus far?
What this development means for resellers
I stay shocked that individuals who presumably would have as soon as ordered their exercise units and summer time shorts off Shein are filling the fast-fashion void by buying mine, however take it from me: When you have ever thought-about promoting your outdated garments or housewares, however figured what you need to supply is simply too primary, low-cost, or plentiful to take the time price it, that is your second. I used to have low-cost items and quick trend listed on my resale accounts solely as a result of it helped maintain my variety of obtainable listings up, which contributed to my profiles’ popularity and lured in consumers for the pricier objects I truly anticipated to promote. Now, although, it is a budget stuff that’s actually transferring, and making me cash. I’ve began reevaluating my closet and reconsidering what meets my threshold for “price it” to record. Put up-tariffs, every part is price it to record.
As London places it, “The tariffs have altered the best way by which folks do their purchasing.” It is nonetheless fairly early into the nice American tariff experiment, however some manufacturers commissioned surveys early on this 12 months to see how folks have been planning to cope with price will increase and located {that a} main chunk of shoppers certainly anticipated to rely extra on resale.
ThredUp, one other on-line resale platform, discovered that 59% of shoppers reported that if attire acquired dearer, they’d look to extra reasonably priced choices, like secondhand shopping for, and shoppers deliberate to spend 34% of their attire finances on secondhand objects this 12 months. And people figures are lots greater for Millennials and Gen Z consumers: They reported planning to spend virtually half their clothes finances on resale.
Knowledge from Well, an internet purchasing rewards app, additionally reveals that fifty% of survey respondents deliberate to contemplate resale items within the face of rising prices. Because of this even for informal resellers or these new to the idea completely, there are plenty of new potential consumers, which might translate on to fast gross sales. At a time when the price of vital items is rising proper alongside these in-between requirements, you may make additional money by promoting what you have already got.
Normally, my gross sales are manner up month over month since tariffs went into impact in early Could
Credit score: Lindsey Ellefson
Will the resale spike final?
I have been shopping for and promoting on resale apps for years and have at all times had success discovering cool stuff to purchase as quick as I might do away with my outdated clothes, equipment, and electronics. Whereas I’ve positively seen a spike in my gross sales these days, that is to not say there wasn’t demand earlier than the tariffs have been introduced. If you happen to’re new to purchasing or promoting on an app, don’t fret that the bubble will burst and you will have invested a bunch of time in itemizing your wares for nothing—even when and when the second passes, reselling can nonetheless be a dependable strategy to make a bit additional money. (Within the meantime, when you have lots to promote and wish to maximize your earnings, obtain a cross-lister like Vendoo, which helps you simply record the identical product throughout a number of marketplaces.)
Some specialists do count on that issues might calm down within the nearer time period. “Whether or not the development persists relies on a variety of issues, comparable to how lengthy the tariffs are in impact and the way consumers reply to prices,” London says. “The resale marketplace for the merchandise is prone to proceed increasing if the tariffs are maintained. The demand may plateau or divert in direction of high quality items or eco-friendly items when consumers adapt.”
Razon, in the meantime, thinks resale apps will proceed to thrive, however that the curiosity in procuring cheaply-made issues, like quick trend, could wane. “Resale platforms have been on the great finish of the latest tariff will increase, particularly with shoppers in search of cheaper options to imported items,” he says. “The reality is—although it could take shoppers time to comprehend it—they may finally come to understand better-quality items. There’s a nice probability that buyers’ curiosity in these lesser-quality items will put on off as quickly as they start to regulate to the brand new financial actuality.”
That’s to say, record your Shein, Temu, and Aliexpress stuff now whereas individuals are nonetheless mourning its loss, but additionally take into account these extra acquainted manufacturers that will additionally quickly see worth hikes. Take inventory of your closet and do a little bit of analysis to see the place all of your potential inventory is made. Identical to I am apprehensive my beloved SET Lively apparel goes to go up in worth as a result of it is made in China, shoppers could quickly discover themselves eager to supply cheaper stuff from Nike, Adidas, Lululemon, Levi’s, and extra, as all of these corporations manufacture plenty of their clothes abroad.
The resale platforms themselves are already anticipating that their digital merchandise are going to get extra invaluable and keep invaluable by (and past) the tariff period. Manish Chandra, Poshmark’s founder and CEO, says, “Because the panorama of tariffs and imports evolves, we imagine the secondhand market will change into an more and more invaluable and cost-effective useful resource for American shoppers. By purchasing from Poshmark closets or beginning their very own, shoppers are supporting sustainability and serving to strengthen the American economic system.”
In different phrases, shopping for resale is one other manner of shopping for American, even when every part you are shopping for was made in India or China.
